House Passes Health-Care Reform Measure

House Passes Health-Care Reform Measure

The bill also expands Medicaid eligibility to 133 percent of the federal poverty line. (AP Photo)

The Maryland House of Delegates has approved a measure to further implement Obamacare in the state.

The House passed the bill with little debate on a 94-42 vote on Monday.

The measure creates a dedicated funding stream for the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, which is the new insurance market that will offer residents a choice of private health plans. The money will come from an existing 2 percent tax on insurance plans that are state regulated.

The bill also expands Medicaid eligibility to 133 percent of the federal poverty line, compared to the current 124 percent. And the legislation includes provisions to ease the transition for enrollees of the Maryland Health Insurance Plan into the exchange.